Apple Maps is a Killer App for the Apple Watch

Total Score: 29.5I’ve had an Apple Watch for about five months and find a lot to like about it, but when I tried the Apple Maps app, I realized this was a feature I could not live without. I was able to keep my eyes on the road and get prompts for upcoming turns. Combined with the phone, I heard audio prompts as well. If you have a watch and haven’t tried this app, do. If you don’t have a Watch, you can either use this as a reason to get one – or enjoy the features on your iPhone.

Ease of Use Rating = 5 For both the watch and the iPhone the font is readable.

Readability Rating = 5 The watch display is fairly small. Starting the process on the phone worked best for me. Although, you can dictate an address and the Watch will respond.

Will You Use It Rating = 5 As you experience life, there is always a new address to find.

Downsides Rating = .5 Very few map apps have a perfect record for content. I haven’t run into any bad directions, but using your common sense is important.

Consumer Review Rating = 5 Since this app is a default app, it does not have the traditional app rating. I based the consumer review on the rating I would give it.

Why Do You Need This App Rating = 5 If you drive, bike, walk or take mass transit, this app will be helpful. And, when you have the Watch, is a tad less obvious when you check directions.

How does it work?

When you open the app, by either tapping the digital crown and opening the app or by opening it through glances, your location is always spotted. This is true whether you are using the phone or the Watch.

You can open maps by tapping on an address in a message.

To view the map on your Watch screen you can use the digital crown to zoom in and out.

Pressing on the Watch face opens up a screen that allows you to search, select one of your contacts, or select a transit option. It also allows you to choose whether you are walking or driving.

Tapping search brings up a screen where you can dictate an address, choose a favorite or a recent trip.

The map shows you the route and you only need to click start to receive prompts.

As you drive, you will receive a tap on your wrist to alert you to an upcoming turn or change of direction.

It is that simple. You can start the process on your iPhone or Watch, and then allow the Watch to prompt you through the trip. If you would like to see a short video on how the maps work on the Apple Watch, click here. Using this app allows me to feel confident when traveling to new places. I’ve been using map apps for years, but using the Watch with an app takes this to a whole new level.